The Goggam Chronicle
Mon 10 Feb 2014, 18:00
The British Academy held a reception on Monday 10 February 2014 to celebrate the publication of The Goggam Chronicle, edited and translated by Girma Getahun.
The Goggam Chronicle is a detailed regional history of Ethiopia by the chronicler, Aläqa Täklä Iyasus, who enjoyed the artistic favour and friendship of King Täklä Haymanot. Of particular importance are the collection of poems inspired by dirge, martial boast and religious devotion. As such, the Chronicle was and still is a goldmine for scholars of history, students of Amharic language and early Amharic literature and for those interested in the study of genealogy, church painting, migration and settlement.
The Chronicle was previously known only to a handful of scholars. This new translation is based on careful study of all the manuscripts to produce an authoritative and coherent text. It is the latest volume in the Fontes Historiae Africanae (Sources of African History) Series published by the British Academy. Girma Getahun is an independent scholar and expert on Ethiopia.
Dr Michael Brett (third in from left) speaking at the launch with Girma Getahun (far left), editor and translator.